42" Class Viera S1 Series Plasma HDTV

TC-P42S1

Features

Our new VIERA S1 Series Plasma HDTVs are perfect for sports and cinema-quality movies. Our Neo PDP technology delivers sharp, detailed images, deep blacks and remarkable brightness, and all with lower power consumption.

600Hz Sub-field Drive*

600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution**. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.

* when using cinema mode ** Based on APDC measurement method.

Watch Video

VIERA Image Viewer™

It's easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos right after you take them. Simply insert an SD card into VIERA to display photos on the large screen. You can also choose from among 3 types of background music and 4 display effects. It's much more fun when you can view them on a large-screen HDTV with family and friends in 1920 x 1080-pixel high definition and a wide 16:9 aspect ratio.

VIERA Link™

VIERA Link™ allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable.

*VIERA Link™ is a Panasonic Distinctive name for the function of HDAVI control. Not all VIERA Link™ features are useable with earlier VIERA Link™ compatible products.

High Contrast (Native 40,000:1)

New VIERA models incorporate an improved panel production process and the new Real Black Drive system. A pre-discharge control system, the Real Black Drive system combines with NeoPDP technology to achieve next-generation black reproduction. When you're watching movies, VIERA renders images just the way the director intended, even in scenes where it's difficult to achieve a proper balance of light and dark.

Wide Color Viewing Angle

View breathtaking images with rich, vivid colors from anywhere in the room. Because plasma TVs are self-illuminating, images look beautiful from any angle. Black areas do not fade, and colors look virtually the same no matter where you sit.

* Measured using an index for evaluating color viewing angle developed by the Advanced PDP Development Center Corporation (APDC). This ensures that you will enjoy exceptional viewing quality even in the largest living rooms.

With the new VIERA Tools user interface, simply press a button on the remote control and icons such as the photos or movies from the menu screen. Now you can just select the one you want. This kind of easy operation means you have more fun and less hassle

In Game mode, quicker image response increases the enjoyment of video games when a game console is connected to the TV. What's more VIERA produces the dark images in video games more clearly. This mode works anti-image retention (wobbling) too.

Reviews

TC-P42S1 is rated
4.9 out of
5 by
14.

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Good TVThis TV has great picture quality and I love that it has 3 HDMI outputs. The one thing that I hate about this TV is the sound quality. It sucks bad.. You will need to connect external speakers to get a decent sound from this TV. Other than that it's a good buy.

Date published: 2011-03-13

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
AmazedThis tv is amazing in blue ray movies and video games, being 600htz 1080P. James Cameron teamed up with Panasonic to make the first 3d camera for the movie Avatar.

Date published: 2010-05-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
What a deal!!I researched for over 6 months in anticipation of buying an hdtv. I was sold on the panasonic plasma because of the depth and sophistication of color as well as it runs on 600Hz as opposed to 120-240Hz of the lcd and led. Though the lcd's and led's tend to be brighter (if brightness is what you're after, just adjust the brightness in the picture menu), their color quality and picture progression cannot compare to the plasma. Panasonic is the king of plasmas and with the Viera Link feature, using other Panasonic home theater components in conjunction with the TC-P42S1 is a breeze. Best purchase I've ever made.

Date published: 2010-03-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
great buyI recently bought this TV and was worned about the glare of a plasma. I have a large bay window in my living room and got a bad glare on my old CRT, but with the AR on this model i can have the curtain pulled and my front door open and still nothing! The picture quality is unreal. Both my brothers have LCD and they don't come close to having the rich colors and deep blacks of my plasma. With the S2 coming out you can pick this TV up for next to nothing, and it well worth it!

Date published: 2010-03-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
ImpressiveI was confused as to what to get, plasma or lcd. I researched and watched a lot of TVs. I found plasma much better for sports. I liked the colors also (that is just a personal preference). I thought the Panasonic S1 looked great so I shopped for the best price. It took all of 5 minutes to set up to my HD cable box and XBox (including assembling the stand). Picture was great, though I played with some of the features a bit for my own tastes. I will admit I was blown away when I put on a DVD. Incredible picture. HD cable was great too. I haven't used it for games yet (I use the XBox more often for a DVD player than for games), but as a TV it is great. Better than I expected.

Date published: 2010-01-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
fantastic purchaseI bought 2 of these TC-P42S1 tv's, in July of 2009. I use 1 in the master bed-room every day and my wife uses the other in her sewing room every day. So far so good they provide a wonderful crisp picture, beautiful color and clairty. The price was extremely low for all this quality and of course the name "panasonic" is a plus.

Date published: 2010-01-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Will always buy Panasonic PlasmasI was always skeptical about buying plasmas. I was always told about image burn-in and low life. I am here to state that I am completely blown away by the performance of the TCP-42S1 Plasma, It is phenomenal. The clarity is excellent the black levels are infinite, and the colors are perfectly portrayed. Out of the box, wall mounting was a breeze.
I never knew that plasmas have such detail and precision, the life span is extraordinary rated at 100,000 hours or 7 hours a day for 30 years.
After hooking up the plasma with my PS3, and playing a Blu-ray film, I suddenly was jaw dropped by the image quality, I stood there and asked myself if a TV panel can become any higher clarity, It didn't matter to me, because I was so impressed.
This plasma exceeded the quality of $2,000 LCD, I will never buy anything other then a Panasonic Plasma, they are the king of plasma technology. I would highly recommend this television to anyone who is looking for ultimate picture quality and clarity.

Date published: 2010-01-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
great investmentExtremely satisfied, I would recommend it. Beautiful picture and w/ the 600Hz sub drive field, the picture is seamless.

Support

Issues Addressed:TV does not respond to the remote or front panel buttons when the TV is tuned to a specific Over-the-Air (OTA) or direct cable channel.TV freezes or locks up using ANTENNA or CABLE during an automatic channel scan.Improves the "Auto Power Off" "Off Timer" function according to Energy Star V2.0.TV audio drops out intermittently when an AV device (cable box, satellite receiver, Blu-Ray Player, etc.) is connected to the TV via an HDMI cable.The picture appears to be dark or dim.The brightness decreases automatically while watching the television.

Panasonic Community - Join our Community and participate in Discussions where you can learn more about our Products. You will also be able to get advice from other members and Product Experts, as well as documents, FAQ’s, tutorials, and updates.

Live Chat - Chat with a representative from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday and 10am-7pm Saturday/Sunday EST.

Service Locator - Locate the closest Authorized repair center to you for TVs, Microwaves, Vacuums, or Massage Chairs.

Service Request - If you need a product repaired and is NOT a TV, Microwave, Vacuum, or Massage Chair, you can use our Online Repair Request. There, you will be able to get a repair estimate, pay online, and track the repair status.

What should I do if the front Power indicator LED light is blinking?

1. Unplug the TV's power cord.
2. Unplug all cables.
3. Power the TV using a different power outlet (do not use a power strip or surge protector).

If the problem persists, consider having the TV serviced. Click here for Panasonic Service Locator.

Note: Count how many times the LED light blinks. This can help a technician troubleshoot the problem.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

What should I do if my TV will not turn on and the power indicator LED is not flashing?

Follow these troubleshooting steps:

Make sure your TV's power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Make sure the electrical outlet the TV is plugged into has power by testing known working device in that outlet.

After verifying the TV is plugged into a working outlet, try pressing the [POWER] button on the TV instead of the TV remote.

If the outlet is working and the TV will not turn on after pressing the [POWER] button on the TV, please consider having the unit serviced.Click here for Panasonic Service Locator.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

I can access other Apps on my TV, but cannot access Netflix. How can I fix this?

Symptoms:

When the Netflix app is selected, the Netflix splash screen appears, then Netflix closes and returns to the VIERA Cast home screen, Network Services screen, or HOME screen.

When the Netflix app is selected, "Unable to Connect to Netflix. Please Try Again Later" is displayed

Netflix can be accessed, but when a title is selected, "Unable to Play This Title Right Now. Please Try Again Later" is displayed.

Netflix can be accessed, a title can be selected, but during playback the picture blanks out, buffers, or freezes frequently.

Additional Information:

Network applications on Panasonic products are only accessible on networks with high speed internet access.

Suggested Solution:

Power the Netflix ready device on and allow at least 90 seconds for it to connect to the network before performing a Connection Test.

Once the Connection Test has passed, attempt to open the Netflix application. If the Netflix application fails to open, manually change the Primary DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 and the Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4. If there is only one DNS setting available, change it to 8.8.8.8 (click here for a TV network troubleshooting tutorial.)

Once the DNS has been changed, perform another Connection Test.

Once the Connection Test has passed, attempt to open the Netflix application.

If none of your applications can be accessed, unplug the power cord of your modem or router for at least 10 seconds.This will reboot your modem or router.

If the Netflix application still fails to open, try another network application. If other applications function properly but Netflix does not click here for Netflix Help Center or call Netflix customer support at 1-866-716-0414.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

Where can I buy parts and accessories for my Panasonic television?

Television Parts and Accessories may be located by clicking here for the Shop Panasonic site TV Accesories or clicking here for the Encompass site.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

The power light on the TV is on steady, but I do not have a picture, sound or both?

This could be caused by a few factors:

First check to ensure your TV is selected to the correct input (Source). If you are watching cable or satellite, following the cable from that device to the back of your TV. If it is connected to antenna, HDMI 1/2/3, component or video you must also have the TV input select to match that connection. On the remote push the input button to check what source is selected on your TV. Very important, you must ensure your cable box or satellite unit is turned on. On some cable and satellite boxes, you may get audio with no picture if the box is turned off. If this does not resolve your issue, you may require service. Click here for Panasonic Service Locator.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

How do I label my TV inputs?

If you wish to label your television inputs such as TV, Cable, DVD, Satellite, etc please consult your operating instructions for exact mapping. Generally, these setting are located in the menu, under submenu “Setup”. Most TVs come with a preprogrammed list of options that can be selected.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

Some of my TV inputs or the Label are greyed out or missing, how do I activate them?

If you are missing a input selection or it is greyed out, most likely it has been selected to “Not Used” in the Menu, under the submenu “Setup” under “ Edit Labels. Consult your operating instructions for the exact mapping for your television.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

How can I tell if my Plasma TV is able to connect to the internet or is a smart TV?

Many of our Plasma TVs are equipped with the ability to access internet apps. A quick way to check to see if your television has internet capability is to check the menu and look for a submenu label “Network” If you do not have this menu selection, unfortunately your model is not a smart TV.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

Who should I contact if I smell a burning smell or see sparking around my TV?